p. 1698
Surnames: HART, DURRELL, MOORE, MOULD, TROUT, WEIDNER, YOUNG
G. Howard Hart, traveling freight agent of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, who resides at No. 341 North Second street, Reading, and maintains an office at No. 290 Broadway, New York, was born in the city of Reading, Aug. 19, 1870, son of George and Maggie (Weidner) Hart.
The Hart family originally lived in Scotland. Early in 1790, three brothers of Scotch-Irish ancestry, George, Henry and Barney Hart, emigrated to America and located in Cumberland county, Pa. They were iron molders by trade. In those days pig iron was all made at the old charcoal furnaces. From Cumberland county the brothers came to Reading where they remained only a short time and then went to Oley Furnace, in Berks county. Of these George Hart , great-grandfather of G. Howard, married Polly Young, of Lancaster county, Pa. To this marriage were born three sons, John, William and Samuel.
Samuel Hart, grandfather of G. Howard, was the youngest. He was born at Oley Furnace in 1815, and in 1837 he married, in Reading, Lovina Moore, of Robeson township, Berks county, daughter of George and Susanna Moore, early settlers of the county. Eight children - four sons and four daughters - were born to them: George, Daniel D., William, Samuel, Mary, Susan, Sophia and Agnes. Samuel Hart, the father, was a forgeman, having learned this trade at Gibraltar, Berks county, working there and elsewhere in the State for many years. Of the children Daniel D. and Samuel have been employed for a quarter of a century as forgemen at Parkesburg, Chester county, and both George and Daniel served in the Civil war, the latter as a member of Battery D, Capt. George Durrell's Independent Artillery.
George Hart, son of Samuel, learned the business of forgeman. As stated above he served in the Civil war. He married Maggie Weidner, and they had three sons, G. Howard, Norman and Grant, all of Reading.
G. Howard Hart received his education in the common schools of Reading, also taking a course at Prof. Steward's Business Academy. After completing his literary training he clerked in J. Mould's department store for a short time, and on March 17, 1884, accepted a position with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company as messenger boy. He remained with that company until April 1, 1895, having been promoted from messenger boy to chief clerk, and later engaged with the Lehigh Valley Railroad, continuing with that road until Sept.1, 1899, being contracting freight agent, with headquarters in the city of Reading. On the date last named Mr. Hart resigned to accept a position with the Chicago & Alton Railroad, with which he has been connected to the present time. Mr. Hart is a member of Mt. Penn Council, Royal Arcanum; Reading Lodge, B. P. O. E., No. 115, in which he was elected E. R. in 1908; the New York Freight and Passenger Association; the Inter-state Railroad and Steamship Association and the Traveling Freight Agents' Association. He is independent in politics, and is a member of the Reformed Church.
Mr. Hart married Minerva Trout, of Reading, and to them were born two sons: George and Charles L., the latter of whom is deceased.
p. 1473
Surnames: HART, LEIGHTON, PENNYPACKER
Harry E. Hart, proprietor of the Birdsboro Job Printery, was born in Union township, Berks county, in 1869, son of William and Annie (Leighton) Hart. He was educated in the schools of Birdsboro, where he established a high reputation for studious habits and good conduct. At the age of seventeen he entered the printing establishment of Rapp & Ryan, where he served an apprenticeship for five years, thoroughly mastering every detail connected with the printer's trade - in fact thoroughness is one of his chief characteristics, and whatever he attempts one may be assured will be done well.
In 1891 Mr. Hart started out in business for himself , as editor of the Birdsboro Review, and this he continued until 1906, since which time he has devoted his attention exclusively to his job printing business. He is agent for several Philadelphia papers, and besides his four carriers he keeps three men constantly employed. His establishment is well stocked with a full line of books and stationary, and it caters to the best trade.
Mr. Hart was raised a Mason in Union Lodge, F. & A. M., of Birdsboro; and also belongs to Reading Lodge of Perfection; Washington Camp No. 417, P. O. S. of A. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and has been very active in the interests of his party, for ten years giving efficient service as a committeeman. For a short time he served as justice of the peace, and then in 1903 was appointed by Governor Samuel Pennypacker as notary public, his term expiring in 1909. Mr. Hart is a young man of much ability, and he has stood every test that he has faced. In his religious beliefs he is an Episcopalian, and he is now serving as a vestryman in St. Michael's Episcopal Church, also taking a keen interest in the work of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
p. 1152
Surnames: HARTGEN, FRITZ, KEMP, RAFTER
Edward A. Hartgen, proprietor of the "Eagles' Inn," located at the northwest corner of Tenth and Washington streets, Reading, was born Oct. 1, 1877, at Norristown, Montgomery Co., Pa., and came to Reading with his parents in his infancy. He attended St. Paul's parochial school and later learned the trade of confectioner, which he followed for a period of twelve years. He then, in 1902, entered the hotel business, and has since been successfully engaged in that line, conducting the "Eagles' Inn" in a perfectly up-to-date manner.
Mr. Hartgen has numerous social connections, belonging to Aerie No. 66, Fraternal Order of Eagles; to B. I. L. of A., No. 155, of which he was one of the organizers and charter members; to Columbus Commandery No. 271, Knights of St. John; to the Knights of St. George; to the Catholic Literary and Social Union, and to the Bavarian Beneficial Association. He also holds membership in the German Alliance of America. He is a member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, and in politics he is actively identified with the Democratic party; and is a member of the Northeastern Democratic League.
On June 2, 1887, Mr. Hartgen was married to Miss Annie C. Kemp, daughter of John and Margaret (Rafter) Kemp, and they have a family of three children: William E., F. Anthony and Charles A.
Jacob Hartgen, father of Edward A., was born in 1843, in the Province of Nassau, Kingdom of Prussia. In his youth he learned the trade of baker, but gave it up to enlist for the Austro- Prussian war, which lasted four months, being concluded in1866. After the war he went to Antwerp, Germany, where he worked at his trade for nine months. The next four months he spent at sea as cook and baker, after which he came to America. He went to Mineral Point, Wis., where he met his future wife, and from there to Galena, Ill., where he met President Grant just after his nomination. He was married a year late to Mary Fritz, and the young couple went to Grand Rapids, Mich., where Mr. Hartgen worked in Sears & Co.'s cracker factory. The oldest son, J. Fred was born here. Their next location was Bellevue, Iowa, where the second son, Joseph was born. On coming to Pennsylvania, Mr. Hartgen first located in Mahanoy City, but stayed there only one week, when he went to Philadelphia. For about three years in the seventies he was located in Norristown. After the birth of his son Edward A., he located in Reading, where he has remained.
p. 1306 Surname:
HARTLINE, HARTLEIN, DRESSLER, BOCHM (BOEHM), DILLEPLANE (DE LA
PLAINE), CLOUSER, BOYER, HOFFMAN, AUCHE, SMITH, BRANDT, FOCHT,
AHRENPRIESTER, KUSER, OHLINGER, WANN, HOLLOWAY, PRICE, EISENHOUR,
SEYLER, HESS, SHOLLENBERGER, HARTMAN, YODER, DRUMHELLER, WEIDNER,
CORRELL, DEYSHER, STRUNK, ANTHONY, LIVINGOOD, KNABB, NOLL, DEYSHER,
HEFFNER, BOWERS, DILIPLAINE
The Hartline family long prominent in Berks county Pa., is represented by George C. Hartline, justice of the peace of Mt. Penn borough and a foremost citizen of that vicinity; Warren D. Hartline, a trusted employee of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, with his residence in Mt. Penn borough; and Dr. Charles H. Hartline, a prominent physician and surgeon in Oley township. The family is of German origin, but has been a part of the substantial German element of Pennsylvania citizenship since the first half of the eighteenth century.
(I) John Jacob Hartlein was born Sept. 8, 1699, in Saxony, Germany, son of Nicholas and Dorothea Hartlein, as indicated by the Hill Church records. On Sept. 28, 1726, he married Julia, daughter of John Christian and Appolonia Dressler, born July 4, 1694. They came to America in 1732, and settled in Earl township, Berks county, Pa. They became the parents of six children, as follows: John Jacob and Jacob both died young; Margaret, born in 1729, married John _____; George, born 1732; Anna Dorothea, born 1734, died 1736; and Nicholas, born 1736, died 1741.
(II) George Hartlein, son of John Jacob, was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1732, shortly before the emigration of his parents to the New World, In 1750 he was a taxable in District township, this county, as was also George, Jr. In 1755 he married Maria Catharine Bochm (Boehm), who was born in 1730, daughter of Conrad Bochm a native of Fehrfield, Wurtenberg, Germany (born about 1705), who came to America in 1732. To George Hartline and wife were born the following children: Jost (Yost), born Jan. 8, 1767, died Dec. 21, 1852, aged eighty-five years, eleven months, thirteen days, and is buried at Oley Church; by his side is buried Sarah Hartlein, born Oct. 18, 1780, died Sept. 24, 1873, aged ninety-two years, eleven months, six days (It is not known whether she was his wife or his sister). George, Jr., was born Jan. 11, 1781. There were perhaps other children but the names of these two alone are of certain record.
(III) George Hartlein, Jr., son of George, was born in Earl township Jan. 11, 1781, and he died Feb. 19, 1865, aged eighty-four years, one month and eight days. He married Maria Dilleplane (properly spelled De la Plaine), daughter of Frederick Dilleplane, of French extraction and of an early settled family of Oley township. She was born April 29, 1784, and died Aug. 10, 1853, aged sixty-nine years, three months, and eleven days. Both she and her husband are buried at the Oley Churches. Their children were: Daniel; Solomon; Mary m. Elijah Clouser, of Oley township; Harriet m. Enoch Boyer; Josiah m. Anna Hoffman (1828-1899); Joel m. Mary Auche; Susanna m. Isaac Smith; Elizabeth m. Michael Brandt; Joshua D. m. Elizabeth Clouser; and Ezra, a weaver by trade and a veteran of the Civil war, m. Catherine Focht, and resides in Earl township.
The name George was a very common family name, and at the present time (1908) there are four George Hartlines living within a radius of seven miles in Berks county.
(IV) Josiah Hartline, son of George, Jr., was born in Earl township, Oct. 11, 1814, and his death, the result of an attack of pneumonia, occurred in Oley township March 21, 1877, when he was aged sixty-two years, five months and ten days. In his youth he learned the trade of shoemaker and cobbler from John Ahrenpriester, of Earl township, and this he followed all of his active life. He owned a small home in Oley township, where he died. He was a member of the Oley Lutheran church, and is buried in the Hartline plot in the cemetery adjoining. He married Anna Hoffman, born Feb. 15, 1828, daughter of John Hoffman. She died Sept. 10, 1899, aged seventy-one years, six months and twenty-five days.
Their children were: Deborah, widow of Cornelius Kuser; Morris H., living at the old home in Oley; Hannah, who died young; Franklin, lineman for the American Telegraph and Telephone Co.; Harriet, who died young; Dr. Charles H.; Ellen, who married Charles Ohlinger, of Reading; and Enoch, a school teacher of Oley township.
(VI) Dr. Charles H. Hartline, son of Josiah and Anna, was born in Oley township March 22, 1859. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his district, and in the Oley Academy, which was established in 1857. He later attended the Amityville Seminary under Profs. D. M. B. Wann and Irwin Holloway, afterward taking a course in Pierce's Business College at Philadelphia, graduating in 1885. His medical studies were pursued at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1891. He immediately located for practice at Friedensburg, in Oley township, where he has since remained, having won a high place in the esteem and affection of the people by his ability, conscientious care and high principals. His practice covers a radius of ten miles, and throughout all this territory he is well known. His country practice is so large that he is obliged to keep three horses. Since 1896 he has been a member of the Berks county Medical Society, and he also belongs to the American Medical Association. His fraternal relations are with Mt. Penn Lodge No. 518, I. O. O. .; Mt. Penn Encampment, No. 152; Oley Castle, No. 119, K. G. E.; Minnehaha Lodge No. 154, K. .; Reading Aerie o. 66, F. O. E. The Doctor and his family all belong to the Friedensburg Lutheran Church.
On May 11, 1906, Dr. Hartline was graduated from
Allemannia Gesang Verein von Philadelphia. He is a fine musician
and is much interested in vocal culture in his district. Dr.
Hartline has been twice married. On Jan. 19, 1895, he married
Sallie E. Price, daughter of Adam and Mary (Eisenhour) Price, of
Fleetwood. She died April 15, 1898, aged twenty-three years, seven
months and five days. To this union were born two daughters: Esther
P. and Sallie P. He married (second) Nora H. Seyler, daughter of
John and Susan (Hess) Seyler, on June 29, 1901. No children have
been born of this union.
(V) George A. Hartline, son of Joel, was born May 16, 1842, in Oley township, and when a young man learned the shoemaker's trade, which was his occupation until 1900. He then tenanted for six years, and in 1907 he purchased a tract of twenty-two acres in Exeter township, which he is now cultivating very successfully. He is a hardworking, industrious man,and is esteemed by all who know him. In political matters he is Democrat, and in religious belief he and his family are Lutherans, belonging to Christ Lutheran Church, Spangsville. He married Deborah Drumheller, daughter of Charles and Abigail Drumheller, and to them were born eight children: Clara m. Harry Weidner, a shoemaker of Reading; Robert D., a truck farmer at Black Bear, Exeter township, m. Alice Shollenberger; Harry D., a shoe maker and toll-house keeper at Oley Line (Limekiln P. O.), m. Bertha Correll; Warren D.; George, a professional egg packer at Philadelphia, m. Sallie Deysher; and Mary, Oscar and Odelia are unmarried and at home.
(VI) Warren D, Hartline, son of George A., and now a reliable citizen of Mt. Penn borough, was born in Oley township Jan. 24, 1872. He attended the public schools of his native township until he was about nineteen years of age, after which he learned the machinist's trade with Orr & Sembower, at Millmont, in whose employ he remained for a period of twelve years. He then accepted a position with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, where he has continued to the present time, discharging the duties of his position with ability and care. In the spring of 1904 Mr. Hartline erected a comfortable residence on Twenty-third street, Mt. Penn, where he has since made his home. He is a Democrat in political principle, but is independent of party lines. He is a member of Camp No. 560, P. O. S. of A., and of Tent No. 426, K. O. T. M. He and his family attend Zion's U. B. Church at Reading.
On Sept. 26, 1898, Mr. Hartline was married to
Cora Strunk, born April 18, 1877, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca
(Anthony) Strunk, truck farmers of Exeter township. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hartline have been born four children: Elsie, March 27, 1900; Mary,
Jan. 24, 1903; Paul, March 27, 1905; and Sarah, Feb. 19, 1907.
(V) George C. Hartline, son of Joshua D., and exburgess, justice of the peace, and school director of Mt. Penn borough, was born in Exeter township, Dec. 8, 1868. He was educated in the public schools and Oley Academy, of which Profs. George H. Heffner and Hiester A. Bowers were the instructors, and this well-known institution he attended for about four years. He then taught school successfully for ten terms in Alsace, Exeter, Ruscombmanor, Lower Alsace and Earl townships, but in June, 1889, he gave up teaching and accepted a position on the construction force of the Philadelphia, Reading & Pottsville Telegraph Company, receiving in 1897 a well-deserved promotion to the position of store keeper of telegraph materials, a capacity in which he has ever since continued, his office and storehouse being located at the corner of Seventh and Chestnut streets, Reading.
Mr. Hartline is one of Mt. Penn's most influential Democrats, this borough having formerly been a part of Lower Alsace township, in which Mr. Hartline was elected a justice of the peace in 1897, serving in that office until Mt. Penn was incorporated. Here he continued in the office, having been elected for the third time, and during all of this service to the county he has never drawn one cent for discharged cases, believing this practice to be legalized robbery of the tax-payer's money. He is greatly interested in educational matters and faithfully served Lower Alsace and Mt. Penn as school director. After the incorporation of the latter place, the people unanimously elected "Squire" Hartline to the office of chief burgess, a position which he filled with honor, and during his incumbency many important incidents are recorded, including the Topographical survey, the laying of considerable curbing and sidewalks, and the installation of the water mains. Mr. Hartline proved himself a capable incumbent of the chief executive's office, and an honest and incorruptible official. Socially he is connected with Chandler Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., Reading; Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14th degree; and Philadelphia Consistory, 32nd degree; Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 518, I. O. O. F., Mt. Penn Encampment No. 152; and Reading Canton No. 72, of that order; Washington Camp No. 221, P. O. S. of A., of Lime Kiln. He and his family attend Grace Lutheran Church, of which they are consistent members. Since 1895 Mr. Hartline has been superintendent of Faith Lutheran Sunday-school in Mt. penn. He was instrumental in having the full course of the graded literature of the General Council of the Lutheran Church adopted in the Sunday-school, and in various ways through his influence the school has been brought to its present flourishing condition.
In 1892 Mr. George C. Hartline was married to Amanda C. Clouser, daughter of Enoch L and Maria (Diliplaine) Clouser, of Tiffin, Ohio, and granddaughter of Abraham and Catharine (Livingood) Clouser. To them have been born these children: Joshua Enoch, born Feb. 22, 1893; B, Franklin; Martin L. and John W., twins; and a son, the four last names dying in infancy.
p. 1189
Surnames: HARTMAN, ENNIG, KESSLER, HOWERTER, MOSER
Adam Hartman, a successful young business man of Reading, Pa., and one of the members of the firm known as the Reading Cement & Paving Company, was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1871, son of Jacob Hartman, also a native of that county.
Jacob Hartman was a miller in Germany, an occupation which he had followed all of his life. In 1878 he came to America and landed at New York, whence, however, he returned to his native country with his family. In 1889 Mr. Hartman again came to America, and now resides with his son, Adam, in Reading. Mrs. Hartman, whose maiden name was Mary Ennig, also resides with her son.
Adam Hartman came to America with his parents when but seven years of age and for a time attended the public schools of this country.
He returned to Germany with his father and mother, but when eighteen years old again came to America and located in Reading, being first employed in the Conrad Kessler hat factory, where he remained three years. At the end of this time Mr. Hartman connected himself with the Reading Hardware Company, and after leaving that firm he was engaged for three years at the plant of Orr & Sembower. Mr. Hartman next engaged in the cement business, working for other firms until 1899, when with Samuel Howerter, he engaged in business under the firm name of the Reading Cement & Paving Company, with offices at no. 917 Locust street, Reading. The business has been a successful one from the start, the partners being energetic, enterprising men, and they now employ, even in the dull season, from six to ten hands, while during the busy season they require as many as twenty-seven skilled laborers. The Reading Cement & Paving Company is well known for its high class of work, and the firm has been noted for living up to the terms of its contracts.
Mr. Hartman married Elvina Moser, daughter of Albert Moser, of Reading, and they have had six children; Ella, Daniel, Annie, Maria, Charles and Catharine. Mr. Hartman with his family and parents resided at No. 1103 Chestnut street, until March, 1907, when they purchased a stone-front residence at No. 917 North Twelfth street, where they now live.
p. 1444
Surnames: HARTMAN, REBER, SWARTZ, SCHOENER, WEISER, BAUSHER, BOQUET, HOFFMAN, SLOATE, UNGER, HEINLY, MOTES, NAFTZINGER, GUNDY, STETZLERM, EHRENS
Charles R. Hartman, of Perry township, Berks county, whose fine dairy farm is situated near Shoemakersville, was born across the township border in Windsor township, April 15, 1866, son of Jacob and Rufena (Reber) Hartman, and a descendant of John Hartman, for whom Hartman's Spring was named.
John Hartman was born in 1713, in an ancient farmhouse near the beautiful and historic city of Reutlingen, Wurtemberg. When a young man he married Magdalena Swartz, and they lived happily together on the old homestead for several years. Mr. Hartman had a maternal uncle, Frederick Schoener, who had gone to America and settled in Pennsylvania, and from whom the Hartmans had received letters. One of these letters, addressed to the young man's father, was as follows, and was read and re-read by the young married man: "Heidelberg, Berks Co., Pa., June 17, 1753--To George Hartman, near Reutlinger, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. Dear brother-in-law: This is to inform you that we are all well and well pleased with America. We live in a good land, where everything is plenty, and we have schools and churches. I hope you will come to this promised land. We live about four German miles from Reading. If you write, address as above. Yours in brotherly love, Frederick Schoener."
This letter made a lasting impression on John Hartman's mind, and he decided to go to America. After sixty-four days of tedious voyage, he and his family arrived at Philadelphia, June 20, 1754. Seeking for some weeks an advantageous location he decided to go to Reading, and thence to some point near the Blue mountains. He had four children, all born in Germany: George, Barbara, Regina and Christian. They left Philadelphia about the last of June, with a farmer who was to take them in his four-horse wagon to Heidelberg, Berks county, near where Conrad Weiser lived. On reaching their destination they learned that the persons whom they sought had crossed the Blue mountains, and Mr. Hartman was advised to do so also by an old soldier, and this he and his family accordingly did. For about twenty-seven pounds he purchased an old wagon and two horses, and in this they journeyed until they arrived at the spring where the crystal water poured in profusion, the site of Orwigsburg. Here in the solitude of the forest, which was at that time included in the county of Berks, his much forgotten pioneer family lived religiously happy. The only books that constituted their library were a Lutheran Catechism, a Bible and a German hymn book. An almost daily scene was the happy family seated by the hearthstone, reading the Bible and singing the old German hymn: "Allein, und doch nicht allein, bin ich," etc. In English: "Alone, and not alone am I Though in this solitude so drear; I feel my Savior always nigh; He comes the weary hours to cheer; I am with him and He with me, E'en here alone I cannot be."
This section of Pennsylvania was frequently overrun by the Indians, who had been incited to bloody deeds by the French after the loss of the Canadian territory. Hence, during the French and Indian war, the few scattering inhabitants contiguous to the Blue Mountains were often alarmed. At breakfast on the morning of Oct. 16, 1755, Mr. Hartman's wife said: "Well, John, you know the flour is all gone, and some one must go to the mill. You are seeding the last field, and suppose you let Christian go. I will go with him, for I have long since promised to go over and see Mrs. Swartz." She was permitted to go and George and his father finished seeding that day. Mrs. Hartman and her son started through the dense forest to the mill, the present site of Schuylkill Haven. Barbara, aged ten years, and Regina, aged nine, were left to take care of the household. While they were seated around the table their faithful dog, "Wasser," came running in. Hartman seized his rifle, but fifteen Indians entered the home, killed Hartman and his son, George, while Barbara and Regina were made captives, and the house was laid in ashes.
It was never known what became of Barbara, but Regina was given to an old Indian woman, who sent her into the woods to hunt roots and herbs, and when she did not get enough she was beaten. In 1764, Col. Boquet conquered the Indians, and peace to them was granted on the condition that all the white prisoners should be given to him. More than 400 were brought to him, and among them was Regina, now about nineteen years old.
The colonel took the children to Carlisle and had it printed in the newspapers that the parents of children who had been taken captive by the Indians, should come and see whether they were among them. Several thousand husbands and parents went hundreds of miles in hope of meeting lost wives or children. When Regina's sorrowing mother got to Carlisle she did not recognize her daughter, as she had grown up, looked, dressed and spoke like the Indians. The woman went up and down among the captives weeping and could not find her child. Col. Boquet asked her whether she recollected nothing by which her daughter might be discovered. She said she recollected nothing but a hymn she used to sing to her children, "Alone, Yet Not Alone Am I," etc. The colonel asked her to sing the hymn. Scarcely had she sung two lines of it, when poor Regina rushed from the crowd, began to sing it also and threw herself into her mother's arms. They both wept for joy, and Col. Boquet gave up the daughter to the mother. Tradition says that Regina is buried by the side of her mother in Christ Lutheran cemetery, near Stouchsburg.
Jacob Hartman, the great-grandfather of Charles R., tradition says was a son of Henry Hartman, a younger brother of John Hartman. The greater part of his life was passed in Windsor township, but he was buried at Zion's Union cemetery in Perry township. His wife was a Hoffman, and they had several children.
Benjamin Hartman, son of Jacob, spent his life in Windsor township, where he owned a small farm, and where he also engaged as a stone mason.
His wife was Racey Bausher, of Albany township, and they had these children: Jacob; Daniel, who lived at Myerstown, Pa.; Benjamin, who lived and died in Philadelphia; and Katie, deceased, who in early life went to Michigan, with her uncle Jacob Bausher, and was there married to a Mr. Sloate, by whom she had one daughter, Katie.
Jacob Hartman, father of Charles R., was born Dec. 14, 1842, in Windsor township, and at the age of twenty-five years began farming near Hamburg, on the railroad farm, on which he continued to reside until 1885. In this year he removed to Perry township, settling on the old Unger homestead, which he cultivated for fourteen years. Mr. Hartman, who is still carrying on operations in Perry township, is a good citizen, being active in educational and church work. He and his family are Lutheran members of Zion's Union Church, of which he was a deacon for a number of years.
On Aug. 15, 1865, Mr. Hartman was united in marriage with Rufena Reber, born July 4, 1845, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Heinly) Reber, both of Windsor township. To this union were born children as follows: Charles R.; George R., who resides at home; Margarite m. J. J. Motes, of Reading; Katie m. Peter E. Naftzinger of Berne, Pa., who died in 1906; Lillie, who is unmarried at home; Mary m. J. L. Gundy, of Calcium; Emma m. Samuel L Stetzler, of Shoemakersville; Louis M., also of Shoemakersville; and Thomas W., Adam D. and Eva J., who are all at home.
Charles R. Hartman spent his boyhood days with his parents, and his education was secured in the district schools of Hamburg and Perry township. He began farming for himself in 1881, purchasing his present farm of forty-four acres in 1889. This tract is in an excellent state of cultivation, Mr. Hartman being a progressive and enterprising man. He greatly improved his home by beautifying its surroundings. In politics he supports the Democratic party, in whose behalf he is quite active, and he is popular in his township. He and his family are Lutheran members of Zion's Union Church of Perry township, where since 1900 he has been a deacon.
On Aug. 25, 1888, Mr. Hartman was married to Mary Ehrens, born in Richmond township, daughter of Henry Ehrens. Among their children are: Elva M., Clara I., Nevin D., Clarence J. and Earl J.
p. 1155
Surnames: HARTMAN, ERMENTROUT, CURTIN, SCHROEDER, SICKLES, MURRAY, LEE, HINNERSHITZ, GIBSON, RICHARD, BURKEY, LEVAN, HOLDER, STRUNK, MAST, SEIDEL
Daniel H. Hartman, one of the esteemed retired residents of Reading, is a surviving veteran of the Civil war, and took an important part in the great struggle. Mr. Hartman is a native of Berks county, Pa., and was born in Alsace township, in 1846, son of Samuel H. and a grandson of John Hartman.
Grandfather John Hartman was a very prominent farmer of Alsace township and owned a large amount of valuable land in that township. There he died aged sixty-eight years, and his remains rest in the Spies' cemetery. He had a large family. Samuel H. Hartman, father of Daniel H., followed closely in his fathers footsteps. He became a man of substance, and a leader in public matters in his township, and he also passed away at the age of sixty-eight years, and was laid to rest by the side of his parents. He married Judith L. Hartman, daughter of Daniel Hartman, and she lived to the age of sixty-six years.
Politically he was a Democrat. The children of Samuel H. Hartman and wife were: John H.; Daniel H.; Mary and Catherine. John H., the eldest son, enlisted in Company D, 198th Pa V. I., Aug. 25, 1864, and was mortally wounded at the battle of White Oak Swamp, from which he died five hours later, aged thirty-four years.
Daniel H. Hartman attended the public schools of his native township until sixteen years of age, and then began to learn the carpenters trade. He worked also one year as a millwright, and one year as a carpenter at Logansport, Ind. In 1865 he was again at home, but prior to this he had served his country in her hour of peril, faithfully and well.
Daniel H. Hartman enlisted from Berks county, Pa., July 3, 1863, to serve three months or during the emergency and was mustered into service at Harrisburg, Pa., in Ermentrouts Independent Battery A, Pennsylvania Light Artillery, Capt. William C. Ermentrout commanding. The battery was recruited in response to Gov. Curtins call for emergency troops to assist in protecting the Keystone State from the threatened invasion by the Confederates. Daniel H. Hartman received his honorable discharge at Harrisburg, Aug. 26, 1863, by reason of expiration of term of service. Mr. Hartman had done his full duty during his first term of service, but he realized that the war was not over, and the help of brave and loyal men was still needed. On Aug. 25, 1864, he re-enlisted, at Reading, Pa., to serve one year or during the war, and was mustered into the service at Philadelphia as a private in Capt. Isaac Schroeders company, this being Company D, 198th Reg. Pa. V. I., commanded by Col. Horatio G. Sickles. Early in the morning of Sept. 19, 1864, the regiment moved to join the Army of the Potomac, in front of Petersburg, Va. Upon its arrival it was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Fifth Corps, at a point on the Weldon railroad, which had just been captured from the enemy. Soon after, Col. Sickles was placed in command of the brigade, Lt. Col. John B. Murray succeeding him in command of the regiment. The first engagement with the enemy was at Prebles Farm, Va., Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, 1864. Later engagements were Hatchers Run, Dabneys Mills and Vaughn Road, the Appomattox campaign, including Quaker Road or Gravelly Run, Boydton, White Oak Road, Five Forks, Petersburg, Sutherland Station, Sailors Creek, High Bridge, Farmerville and Appomattox, all in Virginia. During the Appomattox Campaign alone, the regiment lost between 500 and 600 officers and men in killed, wounded and missing. After General Lees surrender at Appomattox, April 9, 1865, the regiment went into camp at Arlington Heights, Va., and remained there until June 3, 1865. Mr. Hartman did not escape injuries during this long exposure to danger. He received a gunshot wound in the left ankle, at Gravelly Run, Va., March 29, 1865, and was confined one day in the field hospital and then rejoined his regiment determined not to be left behind. By reason of the close of the war, Mr. Hartman received his final honorable discharge near Washington, D.C., June 3, 1865.
In 1871 Mr. Hartman came to Reading and was in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad shops for a period that covered thirty-six years, during which time this great system was extended hundreds of miles. Mr. Hartman retired May, 29, 1901, retaining the cordial good-will of the corporation which he had served so devotedly for a decade over a quarter of a century.
On Oct. 20, 1866, Mr. Hartman was married to Mary M. Hinnershitz, daughter of Conrad and Mary (Gibson) Hinnershitz. To this marriage twelve children were born; Mary Alice, m. to Charles W. Richard, had one child, Carrie (m. to Daniel Burkey, and has a son, Daniel): Clara, m. to William J. Levan, of Reading (mentioned in full elsewhere); Carrie Agnes, m. to Jacob H. Holder, has two children, Ira and Dorothy; Lottie, m. to Joel M. Strunk, has two children, Alice and Paul; Bertie, m. to Albert F. Mast, has one son, Daniel H.; and Gertrude m. to Milton Seidel, of Reading, and has two children, William M. and Mary Magdalena; and Samuel H., Daniel H., Ida F., Hattie M., Katie and Judith, all of whom are deceased.
In 1897 Mr. Hartman built his present home at No. 123 South Ninth street, Reading, and later built the modern residence in the rear for his daughter. For three years Mr. Hartman was constable of Alsace township. He is a member of Star of Nativity Lodge, Shepherds of Bethlehem, of which he is a trustee. Mr. Hartman also belongs to Keim Post, No. 76 G. A. R., of which he has been senior vice-commander.
p. 1487
Surnames: HARTMAN, HASSLER, ROTHENBERGER, KINSEY, NOLL, SCHMECK, SPIES, MILLER, KLINE, HILL, MAURER, GERHART, SPANGLER, DOLCH, WEAVER, ROTHERMEL, DELLICKER, LESHER, WANNER
Daniel Ireneus Hartman, of Maiden-creek township, was born Oct. 13, 1870, in Muhlenberg township, son of Mabery and Mary (Rothenberger) Hartman.
John Hartman, the great-grandfather of Daniel I., lived at Spies's Church, where he married a Miss Hassler. They had these children: Kate m. George Kinsey; Mary (Polly) m. John Noll; Elizabeth m. Daniel Schmeck; Judith m. Isaac Kinsey; Sally m. Daniel Spies; John; Daniel; Jacob; Samuel; and Benjamin.
Jacob Hartman, grandfather of Daniel I., was a farmer by occupation, and cultivated a large tract of land near Spies's Church. He was married to Helena Schmeck, and they became the parents of these children: Hiram m. Mary Miller; Jacob m. Sarah Hill; Mabery; Lydia m. Theodore Maurer; and Angelina m. Levi Kline.
Mabery Hartman, father of Daniel I., was reared in Alsace township, where he was married to Mary Rothenberger, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Gerhart) Rothenberger. They had six children, as follows: Emma m. (first) George Spangler, and (second) William Dolch; Kate m. Howard Weaver, deceased; Daniel I.; Ida m. Wilson Rothermel; Urias m. Lizzie Dellicker; and Mary, died young.
Daniel I. Hartman received his education in the common schools of his native district, and as a young man assisted in the work on his father's farm, after leaving which he learned the carpenter's trade. Mr. Hartman followed that occupation for thirteen years, and then purchased his present property in Maiden-creek township, which he has been operating with much success to the present time. He has brought his property to a high state of cultivation, has built good, substantial buildings, and is rated as one of the substantial farmers and good citizens of his community. Oct. 13, 1900, Mr. Hartman was married to Miss Agnes Lesher, daughter of Rueben and Esther (Wanner) Lesher. It is a singular coincidence that both Mr. and Mrs. Hartman were born on the 13th of October, and that that was the date of their marriage. Two children have been born to them: a boy, who died in infancy; and Esther Mary, born Sept. 13, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman are members of the Reformed faith, and attend Gernant's Church. Fraternally, he is connected with Camp No. 68, P. O. S. of A., Hyde Park, and Muhlenberg Castle, No. 372, K. G. E.
p. 445
Surnames: HARTMAN, VON MATHIAS, VON MOYER, VON ESHBACH, LANCISCUS, DEIBLER, RITTER, YOUNG, SCHMECK, ROTHERMEL, RAPP, CRONRATH, YERGER, GLASE, REMPPIS, GRIESEMER, YODER, SHALTER, HOPPES, CLAUSER, CLEAVER, GASS, SHAEFFER, LONG, De TURCK, KAUFFMAN, LEVAN, HOPPES, BRUMBACH, HAUSMAN, CLAUSER, CLEAVER
Hartman. The common ancestor of the Hartman family in America was Valentine Hartman, a pioneer of Alsace township. His remains and those of his wife lie side by side among those of other members of the Hartman family, in the old graveyard at Spiess Church in Alsace township. A brown sandstone marks his grave, and upon it appears the following inscription:
"HEIR RUHET DER LEIB VON VALENTINE HARTMAN ER WERDE GEBOREN 1738 IN AUGUST, UND STARB 21 JULY 1794 ALT 56 JAHRE HEIR RUHET DER LEIB VON MAGDALENA HARTMAN GEBORNE IM JAHR 1740 UND STARB DEN 19 OCTOBER 1814 ZEICHTE 4 SOHNE UND 2 TOCHTER WAR ALT GEWORDEN 74 JAHRE
The following were probably the children of Valentine and Magdalena Hartman, all of whom are buried in the same old graveyard at Spiess Church: Valentine, born 1766, died in 1835; a daughter; Jacob, born in 1771, died in 1837; a daughter; Johannes, born in 1777, died in 1843; Daniel, born in 1780, died in 1840. Near the grave of the elder Valentine Hartman is a brown sandstone on which is the following inscription:
"DENKMAHL VON TOCHTER NAMEN JUDITH HARTMAN GEBOREN 1727, STARB IN DECEMBER 1790 ALT 64 JAHRE
The elements have almost obliterated this inscription. There is doubt as to the fourth word, the word back of "Tochter" is almost entirely effaced. Judith Hartman probably was a sister of the elder Valentine Hartman, born in 1738.
Among other interesting facts relative to the
Hartman family gleaned from gravestone inscriptions to be found in
the burial ground of the Oley church are: Adam Hartman(son of
George and Elizabeth), born Oct. 6, 1793, died Sept. 7, 1865, aged
seventy-one years, eleven months, and one day. He married Anna
Margaret Von Mathias born Aug. 14, 1795, died May 3, 1872, aged
seventy-six years, eight months, nineteen days. David Hartman, born
Nov. 27, 1836, died May 13, 1905, aged sixty-eight years, five
months, and sixteen days. Daniel Hartman, born Feb. 19, 1817, died
April 1, 1899, aged eighty-two years, one month, and twelve days,
married Elizabeth Von Moyer, born in 1812, died in 1880. Joseph
Hartman, born Jan. 3, 1825, died March 2, 1879, aged fifty-four
years, one month, and twenty-nine days, married Elizabeth Von
Eshbach, born in 1827, died in 1877, and they had one son and three
daughters. John M. Hartman, born Jan. 16, 1829, died May 29, 1900,
aged seventy-one years, four months and thirteen days.
The barn on the property was built by John Valentine Hartman in 1814, but the house was built by Valentine Hartman in 1843. There is a fresh spring on the farm that never runs dry, and adds materially to the value of this really fine property. The Hartman farm was used during the life of the old State militia as a drilling ground once a year. There annually all able-bodied men between twenty-one and fifty-five came and were given military training. This great event was called Battalion Day.
John Valentine Hartman was married to Catherine Deibler, and they are both interred in the old Spiess church burial ground, the following inscriptions appearing on their tombs: John Valentine Hartman, born Nov. 4, 1766, died May 5, 1835, aged sixty-eight years, six months and one day. Catherine Hartman, born in 1776, died in 1827, aged fifty-one years. The children of John Valentine and Catherine Hartman were: (1) William settled near Circleville, Ohio, where he was three times married, and had twenty-four children, (2) Samuel lived and died in Alsace township, and is buried in the Spiess church burial ground: he had children, Gideon, Valentine, Lewis, Israel, Samuel and Emma, and Justina. (3) Abraham lived at Spiess church where he is buried, and had three children, Rebecca, Sarah and Susan. (4) Valentine. (5) Hannah married John Ritter, who moved to Union county, Pa. (6) Polly Maria, born in 1806, died in 1851, married first a Mr. Young, and second Henry Schmeck. John Valentine Hartman was one of the early supervisors of his district, and among the heirlooms of the Hartman family is an account book kept by him showing the income and expenditures of the district during his term of office, and the items in his careful penmanship afford a good idea of the early history of those times.
Valentine Hartman, son of John Valentine Hartman, was born in Alsace township in 1808, and died there in 1882. All his life he followed farming and became a prosperous landowner and proprietor of the Hartman farm, now owned by his son, Ephraim Hartman, father of Sydney J. Hartman. In politics Valentine Hartman was a Republican after the formation of that party, and served his district as assessor. In religious matters he was connected with the Spiess church, and is buried in the family lot of the old Spiess church cemetery. He married Mary Rothermel (1814-1899), daughter of Leonard Rothermel, of Maiden-creek township. The following children were born of this marriage: Levi, of Oley township; Catherine, who died at the age of twenty-four years: Jeremiah, of Friedensburg: Valentine, who died in1907, aged sixty-eight years, at Friedensburg; Harrison, who died about 1870; Moses, of Belleville, Ill.; Amos, deceased; Mary, wife of Samuel Rapp; Amanda, who married Levi Cronrath, has one son, Thomas H., and lives in Exeter township; Ephraim R.; Emma, who died in infancy; Sarah, who died in 1872, and is buried at Spiess church; Mahlon, an extensive farmer at Freeburg, Ill.; Ezra, of Friedensburg; and Hannah, who married Appolonius Shalter, of Alsace township. During his long and useful life Valentine Hartman was a prosperous and representative man of his township and is pleasantly remembered as one of the men who helped to make Berks county what it is today.
Ephraim R. Hartman, father of Sydney J. Hartman and son of Valentine Hartman, was born July 7, 1848, in Alsace township, where he lived until he attained his majority, working on the family homestead. In 1873 he began farming for himself in Alsace township on the Pricetown road, continuing there for five years. He then removed to the homestead, where he remained until 1891, at which date he settled at Friedensburg to engage in a general merchandise business, but after nineteen months he sold his interests to H.R. Yerger, the present proprietor of the store. Mr. Hartman then retired, and now resides at Friedensburg in a handsome, large stone residence, which was once known as the Benneville Glase house. In addition to his home, Mr. Hartman owns a valuable farm of 151 acres in Alsace township, the Hartman homestead; the foundry and machine shops at Fleetwood, formerly known as the Schaeffer & Merkel foundry, now occupied by the Reading Metal Body Company, a successful corporation employing 120 men. He is also the owner of No. 837 Penn street, on which property is located "Leithams Hotel." It has a frontage of 30 feet 9 inches, and being in the very center of business part of the city, is very valuable. In addition to his other interests Mr. Hartman was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Oley incorporated in 1907, of which he is now director. He is also a director of the Oley Knitting Mills where thirty people are employed. During the civil War a very valuable iron ore mine was worked, 4,000 tons of ore having been taken from the mine which is located on the Hartman homestead. In all of his business enterprises Mr. Hartman has been very successful, and he has not only won prosperity, but also the confidence and esteem of his associates for his honorable methods and unflinching integrity of purpose. In religious affiliations Mr. Hartman and his family are members of the Reformed denomination of Spiess church.
In 1872 Mr. Hartman married Amanda Gass, daughter of Jacob Gass, of Muhlenberg township, and these children were born to them: Sydney J.; Esther m. Jabez Hartman, of Lehigh county, Pa., now a grocer of Reading; Warren G. is cashier of the First National Bank, at Fleetwood, Pa.; Valentine is a student of Franklin and Marshall College; and six died young.
Sydney J. Hartman was educated in his township schools, the Keystone State Normal School, the Oley Academy, and was finally graduated from the Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa., in 1897, having entered that institution in 1893. Following his graduation he was appointed principal of the Leesport high school, and held the chair for one term, resigning to become a teacher in the Robesonia grammar school. Later he became grammar school teacher at Brielle, N. J., and remained in that capacity for four years, thus completing his successful career as an instructor. He then became bookkeeper for William K. Remppis Co. at Reading where he remained for four years, or until his election to the position of cashier of the First National Bank of Oley, located at Friedensburg, where he has since remained, his connection with the bank adding to its financial strength and firmly establishing its management in the confidence of the business public.
Socially Mr. Hartman is a member of Oley Castle No. 119, K.G.E. He is a member of Friedens Reformed church. Mr. Hartman is justly regarded as one of the most representative young business men of Oley. He has a wide circle of warm personal friends, as well as many business associates, who recognize his ability and excellent business training, which fit him so well for his responsible position.
Levi R. Hartman, son of Valentine Hartman, and father of Ammon S. Hartman, an aged and very substantial resident of Oley township, was born in Alsace township on the Hartman homestead Sept. 17, 1835. He was brought up on the farm, working for his father until he was twenty-two years of age, at which time he engaged in farming on his own account on one of his fathers farms of fifty-eight acres in Exeter township. Here he resided for twenty-two years, and in 1860 he bought the farm, and still owns it, but has it tenanted. His next purchase was a fine farm of 135 acres located on the road from Yellow House to Friedensburg, and on the Oley turnpike from Yellow House to Reading. This is regarded as the best farm in Oley township, and is well supplied with substantial buildings. The house is of stone, and was built by Casper Griesemer in 1792, while the barn was built by Daniel Griesemer in 1839. The crops are excellent and the profit is good. This farm is also rented. Mr. Hartman owns still another farm, this one being of seventy-four acres, at Pleasantville. As are his other farms, this one is well located, is well stocked and has good buildings. Formerly it was a Yoder farm. Mr. Hartman owns considerable woodland, and resides near his 135-acre farm on a small tract he purchased from Benneville Griesemer. A portion of the house was built over one hundred years ago, and the other was put up in 1868. The three acres of land surrounding the houses are well laid out, and there is plenty of fruit. A very large spring supplies water that is recognized as good as any in the world, and Mr. Hartman takes great pride in the spring. Not only is Mr. Hartman a large landowner, he also holds bank stocks and bonds, and is one of the heaviest tax payers of the township, and a man whose word is as good as his bond anywhere.
On Oct. 4, 1857, Mr. Hartman married Mary Ann Shaeffer, daughter of Capt. Henry Schaeffer, of Light Horse Brigade in the Civil war. Mrs. Hartman was born Oct. 2, 1833, and died Oct. 19, 1903, aged seventy years and seventeen days, and is buried at Spiess church in the Hartman family lot. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartman were: Henry, born in 1858, died in 1881; Emma R., born in 1860, died in 1861; Abner, born in 1861, died in 1862; Ammon S.; William C., born in 1864, died in 1865; Mary Ann, born in 1866, died in 1873; Calvin, born in 1867, died in 1905, m. Hannah Long, and had five children-Harry, Levi, Clarence, Erma and Ira (he was a farmer of Oley township) ; Lillie m. Seth De Turck, a very substantial farmer of Oley township; Carrie, born in 1871, died in 1873; Elizabeth, born in 1875, died in 1877; and Miss Clara is at home attending her aged father, whose great comfort she is. The young lady is a model of daughterly love and devotion and the attachment between her and her father is beautiful. Since her mothers death she has endeavored to fill her place, and is rewarded by seeing the pleasure her father takes in her ministrations.
Ammon S. Hartman, second vice president of the First National Bank of Oley and a prominent business man of lower Berks county, was born in Alsace township, Jan. 21, 1863, son of Levi R. Hartman. Until his twenty-second year, when he married , Mr. Hartman worked for his father farming, but in 1884 he began working for himself and for eleven years worked in Oley township on shares. He then sold his farm stock, and in that same year(1897) moved to Oley Line, buying a farm of 122 acres from Hiram Kauffman. This land was located at Oley Churches. and at the time of his purchase there were no buildings upon it, so that he has built the substantial ones now standing. The house is 39 x 40 feet with a kitchen and summer house attached. The Swiss barn is 45 x 100 feet. He also has a carriage shed, a big wagon shed, 30 x 40 feet, a straw shed and pig sty and good chicken house. Although lumber was then cheap, compared to present prices, these buildings cost him $7,500.
In addition to his home property, Mr. Hartman owns a 120 acre farm, located near the Oley Churches on the Manatawny creek. This property belonged to Jacob Griesemer and Mr. Hartman purchased it at an assignees sale in 1896, and it is now rented. In 1898 Mr. Hartman went to Wyomissing, a suburb of Reading, and purchased two houses and twelve building lots. However, after two years he moved to Friedensburg where he bought of Jacob Levan the home he now occupies on Main street. After securing this property, he erected the coach making establishment opposite his home, where he is conducting a large and constantly growing business. He gives employment to five skilled mechanics, and manufactures all kinds of home-made vehicles. Mr. Hartman was also engaged in the manufacture of farm implements until the spring of 1908, when he sold that branch of the business to Charles H. Hoppes, of Oley. He also owned the building and store at Manatawny, where he built a warehouse, renting the property to Tilghman Hausman for three years, but he then sold to James Brumbach, who in turn disposed of it to Manatawny Castle No. 461 K.G.E., of which Mr. Hartman was the organizer and a charter member. So interested was he in the success of this society that he had a lodge hall built and made many improvements upon the property.
Mr. Hartman bought two farms from Mahlon D. Clauser of Manatawny, and these he sold five days later to C. B. Cleaver of the same place at a good profit. Mr. Hartman is a man of progressive ideas and is always interested in matters calculated to prove beneficial to the community. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Oley, of which he became a director, and of which he is now second vice president. He is actively interested in educational matters, and when the Pleasantville district school was built, in 1887, Mr. Hartman acted as architect and builder, and rendered very efficient service, which was fully appreciated as is shown by the many testimonials he received from the officials and members of the district.
In addition to his other interests Mr. Hartman belongs to Suyeto Tribe No.477 I.O.R.M.; Griesemersville Lodge, I.O.O.F., as well as the K.G.E. No. 461 already mentioned. He and his family are members of Spiess Reformed Church.
In 1885 Mr. Hartman married Mary R. De Turck, daughter of Samuel De. Turck, of Oley. They have three daughters: Sallie E., a graduate of Reading Collegiate Institute, was licensed to teach in the public schools of Berks county; Annie D. took a course in stenography and typewriting, and is now the clerk at the A.J. Brumbach factory at Reading; Nora E. is an accomplished musician and a charming young lady.
The Hartman family as has been shown in these brief sketches is one of the oldest and most important of Berks county. Its representatives are numbered among the leading financiers, professional men and farmers of the several communities in which they reside, and they are all worthy of the name. They are all prosperous, influential and progressive, and each in his way has borne an important part in the development of his locality. They are all industrious, honest and frugal, and ever ready to bear a part in the support of state and church. Surely the name of Hartman is one that is honored and respected not only in Berks county but wherever it is found.
Surnames: HARTMAN, WAMSHER, BLEILER, GERETH, SILVIS, MAURER, HUYETT, SCHAEFFER, YOST, KIRST, ROTHERMEL, KRICK, REBER, HIGH, WARDMAN, DUNKEL, POTTEIGER, HAHN, REESER, ULRICH, LEINBACH, HAIN, ERMENTROUT, WARD, REED, MOSER, KAUFMAN, TELLER, ISMAN, BARBER, PRESKER, ZERR, KAUFFMAN, PARVIN
The Hartman family is an old and honored one of Berks county. There are many representatives of the name scattered all over the country, and the Hartmans are numerous in the eastern counties of Pennsylvania. As the Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. XVII, record about seventy of this name that emigrated to Pennsylvania between 1727 and 1808, it is evident that the present day Hartmans are not descended from a common pioneer. In Berks county there are Hartmans to the east and south of Reading, while another branch live in the valley north of the city, and whether even these come from a common pioneer is not certain, although this is not probable. This family of Hartmans originally located to the north of Reading, but its descendants have since scattered through Schuylkill, Columbia, Lycoming and other northern counties of Pennsylvania, as well as into the Middle West.
John Hartman (I) was the name of the earliest known ancestor of the branch in which we are interested. No definite records have been discovered up to this time to indicate when he came to America, but it is known that he came from the Rhine country---Erbach in the district of Odenwald, a mountainous region between the Main and Necker rivers, probably some thirty miles from Frankfort-on-the-Main. Tradition gives a romance in connection with his emigration to the New World, which is related in Vol. VII, page 344, of "The Pennsylvania German." He settled in Exeter township, now a part of Berks county, where he was employed as a miller at the Bishop Mill, which is now the property of George Wamsher. Later he settled on what is now the old Hartman homestead, lately owned by Henry Hartman (deceased) and still in the possession of his estate near Temple. John Hartman's happy married life lasted but one year, when his wife died without issue. His second marriage was to Agnes Bleiler, widow of Jacob Bleiler, and to this union were born five children, two sons and three daughters, viz.: Michael, John, Juliana (wife of Michael Gereth), Catharine Elizabeth (wife of Henry Silvis), and Catharine. John Hartman (I) died Oct. 18, 1786, aged fifty-five years within two months and ten days, which would bring the date of his birth to Dec. 28, 1731. His wife, Agnes Hartman, died between the 2d and the 18th of April, 1791. They are both buried at Reading on the present site of Trinity Lutheran Church.
John Hartman (II), son of John, the emigrant, was born June 23, 1771, in Exeter township, and was, therefore, only fifteen years of age when his father died. He was younger than Michael, and probably the youngest of all the children. In his father's will, written Sept. 1, 1786, he is the only one spoken of or treated as a minor child. He was a farmer and spent the greater part of his life on the old homestead at Temple. He owned several farms besides the homestead, as well as extensive woodland property now owned jointly by Frederick S. Hartman, the Estate of Henry Hartman, and George C. Hartman. The Temple hotel property and the farm adjoining the homestead were also included among his possessions. He married Sophia Mary Maurer, daughter of Frederick Maurer, and died Sept. 3, 1823, of biliary fever, aged fifty-two years. His wife survived him and died about 1852. Their remains now rest side by side in Alsace Church graveyard, whither their bodies were removed by their sons in 1860. They were originally interred in the burialground of Trinity Lutheran Church.
They left three sons and three daughters, namely: John, Daniel, Frederick, Elizabeth (wife of John Huyett), Esther, and Mary (who was married to Daniel Maurer).
Michael Hartman, the eldest son of John, the emigrant, obtained possession by his father's will of the mill property in Exeter township and about eighty acres of woodland in the same township. It appears that some years later he purchased a mill property and a considerable tract of land in Brunswick township, Berks (now Schuylkill) county, and many of his descendants may still be found in that vicinity.
John Hartman (III), son of John (II), was born on the homestead at Temple and there passed his entire life. After his father's death he became owner of all the latter's real estate except the hotel property, which was sold. He followed farming and became wealthy, becoming prominently known as a money lender. His possessions included an iron ore mine, situated in the woodland tract on South Mountain, east of Temple, the ore from which was taken by team to Eckert's Furnace at Reading, Mr. Hartman receiving a royalty on the product. He married Mary Schaeffer, and to them were born six children, five sons and one daughter, viz.: Amos, John, Frederick S., Daniel, Henry and Sophia Maria; the parents are buried in Alsace Church cemetery.
Amos Hartman (IV), son of John (III), was like his brothers and sister born on the homestead at Temple. Before his father's death he lived on and farmed the property adjoining to the west, but afterward he bought the homestead and moved upon that place, his mother and brothers Frederick and Henry taking possession of the farm he vacated. Subsequently Amos Hartman sold the homestead to his brother Henry, the property adjoining to the west previously mentioned becoming the property of Frederick. Amos bought and moved to a large farm in Spring township near Cacoosing, and later still he bought the Jacob Kirst place, near North Reading, to which he moved. He also purchased an adjoining tract now owned by Garson Huyett, where he died. He and his wife Rebecca (Yost) are buried in the Alsace Church cemetery. They had a family of four children, viz.: Frank Y., Mary (married to Adam Rothermel), Susan (married to Garson Huyett), and Clara (married to William Krick).
Frank Y. Hartman (V), son of Amos, was born at Temple. He bought the Kirst farm near North Reading, which he now occupies. He married Sarah Reber, and they have had three children: Edwin R., Nora and Paul, Paul dying in infancy.
John Hartman (IV), son of John (III), journeyed out to Ohio when a young man to what in those days was considered the "far West." He died at the age of about twenty-three years in Ohio, and is buried there.
Frederick S. Hartman (IV), son of John (III), was born on the homestead at Temple. For a time he lived on the farm adjoining to the west, which he still owns, and later he bought a property near Cross Keys, where he now lives. He is a man of intelligence and business ability, and is the owner of a number of large farms. He married Amanda High, and to them were born six children, John H., James (deceased), Mary A. E., Sallie H., Bertha S. and Emma M.
John H. Hartman (V), son of Frederick S., in early manhood went to Arkansas City, Kans., where he was employed in a bank and interested in real estate. He married Mrs. Augusta Wardman, of Kansas, and they have one son, John R., who lives in Philadelphia.
Daniel Hartman (IV), son of John (III), died unmarried at the age of twenty years.
Henry Hartman (IV), son of John (III), became
the owner of the homestead, buying it from his brother Amos. He was
a farmer and also owned a limestone quarry near Evansville, Berks
county. His wife was Sarah Dunkel, and they had three children,
viz.: John D., married to Elmora Potteiger; Bertha, married to
Valentine Hartman; and Nora, who lives with her mother at Temple.
George C. Hartman (IV) was born May 2, 1838, in Maiden-creek (now Ontelaunee) township, and moved with his father to Bern township when scarcely three years old. In 1861 he married Rebecca J. Leinbach, and during his first year of their married life they lived with his father on the home farm. About that time Daniel Hartman bought a property in Penn township near Bern Church, on which George C. Hartman and his wife moved, remaining there two years. They then returned to Bern township, again taking his father's farm. The following year Daniel Hartman bought the Hain farm in Bern township, along the Schuylkill river above Felix's Adam, and his son, George, moved to that place and there resided for twenty-three years. Some time before his father's death George C. Hartman bought this property. Although farming was his principal business for so many years, he was also engaged in the lime and coal business in company with two partners under the firm name of Hartman, Kramer & Ulrich. The lime was shipped by canal-boat along the Schuylkill to Reading, the lower part of Berks county, and Montgomery and Chester counties. In 1886 Mr. Hartman bought the large quarries of Leinbach & Brother, located just above Felix's dam, at Cedar Hill, and adjoining the former property. In 1888 Mr. Hartman moved with his family onto this property and devoted himself more especially to the lime business until 1898, when he moved to West Leesport, Berks county. He has since lived there in retirement. He still owns the Cedar Hill property and the farm adjoining it, as well as retaining a number of other interests. He is an intelligent, broad-minded man, and has always appreciated the value of a liberal education, a fact which he has shown practically by giving all his sons college training. Eight children, six sons and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. George C. Hartman, viz.: John Daniel, George Washington, Irvin Henry, Franklin Oscar, Harrison Edwin, Winfield Leinbach, Mary Ann and Carrie Jane; all of this family, with the exception of Mary, have at various times been students at the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, and all the sons are pursuing professional or business careers.
John D. L. Hartman (V) was born in Penn township Aug. 9, 1863. He taught two terms in the public schools of Bern township, and in 1883 was appointed a cadet to the United States Military Academy at West Point by Daniel Ermentrout, the Congressional representative of his district. He is at present a captain in the 1st United States Cavalry and has seen service in practically all the Western and frontier States, Cuba and the Philippines. Lately he was an instructor of military art in the United States Infantry and Cavalry School and Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., and still later he was engaged in the same kind of work at Fort Riley. He is at present doing service in the Philippine Islands. In 1894 he married Helen C. Ward, whose father is now colonel of the 2d United States Cavalry.
George W. Hartman (V) was born Oct. 5, 1867, in Bern township, where all the children except John were born. After teaching for several terms in the public schools he entered Franklin and Marshall College, from which institution he graduated in 1895. He later attended the Harvard Physical Culture School, and the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Lancaster. While attending the latter institution he held the position of physical instructor in Franklin and Marshall College. He was also, for several terms, a member of the faculty of Kutztown State Normal School. He is at present in the Reformed ministry and is located at Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county. He married in 1901 Carrie M. Reed, of Doylestown, Pa., a graduate of the Keystone State Normal School. They are parents of two children, a son, George E., and a daughter, Esther L.
Irvin H. Hartman (V), M. D., was born May 22, 1869, near Epler's Church in Bern township. He was reared on the farm and received his early education in the common schools, later attending the Normal School at Kutztown and Palatinate College at Myerstown. He taught in the public schools for five terms. He entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in October, 1892, graduating in June, 1895. After graduation he was elected resident physician of St. Joseph's Hospital, Reading, for one year. He has since been engaged in private practice and established himself at West Reading, where he remained until settling at his present location in Reading, No. 137 South Fourth street, in 1902. In addition to his private practice Dr. Hartman serves as examiner for the New York Life Insurance Company, Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, N. J., and the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn. He is associated professionally with the Berks County Medical Society, the Reading Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows Fraternities, holding membership in Chandler Lodge No. 227, F. & A. M., Reading Commandery, No. 42, K. T., and Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and in Progressive Lodge, No. 470, I. O. O. F. He and his family are members of the Second Reformed Church, of Reading. On June 20, 1899, Dr. Hartman married Miss Frances E. Moser, of Greenville, Pa., daughter of Jacob and Catharine Moser. Dr. and Mrs. Hartman have one child, Katharine Nella.
Frank O. Hartman (V) was born Jan. 9, 1872. After teaching in the public schools he prepared for college at Palatinate College and entered Franklin and Marshall College in 1894, graduating in 1898. Since then he has served as principal of the Leesport (Pa.) high school, professor of natural sciences in the City High School of Franklin, Pa., principal of the Bernville and Sinking Spring high schools, and is now supervisor of the public schools at Woodbine, N. J. He married in 1901 Elizabeth A. Kaufman, of West Leesport, Pa., and their family consists of two daughters, Clara R. and Mary E.
Harrison E. Hartman (V), who is conducting a very prosperous real estate business in the Commonwealth Title, Insurance and Trust Company building, Philadelphia, as a member of the firm of Barber, Hartman & Co., was born Jan. 23, 1876, in Bern township, Berks county, son of George C. and Rebecca Jane (Leinbach) Hartman.
Harry Edwin Hartman received his preliminary education in the township school, and after attending the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown for one term secured a teacher's certificate. He then taught public school, for three terms near his home and one term in West Leesport, meanwhile attending the Normal school for three spring sessions to increase his qualifications as teacher. In 1896 he went to Philadelphia and took a business course in Palm's Business College, and after following bookkeeping for two years became a teacher in the college mentioned, where he continued two years. He then engaged in the real estate business with Benjamin F. Teller & Brother and Felix Isman for five years, when he formed a partnership with Edward Barber and George W. Presker in the same line of business, under the firm name of Barber, Hartman & Co. They have since carried on operations in a very successful manner, with rooms in the Commonwealth Title, Insurance and Trust Company building at Twelfth and Chestnut streets, as successors to the well-known firm of Benjamin F. Teller & Brother.
Winfield L. Hartman (V) was born April 25, 1880. He graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1897. After teaching in the public schools he prepared for college in Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, Pa. He entered Princeton University in 1900, graduating from that institution with high honors in 1904. While a student at Princeton he was the successful competitor for the Thomas Wanamaker prize on the English, and was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, which is an honorary society for scholarship. Since that time he has held the position of instructor in Latin and Greek in Perkiomen Seminary, and is now the head of that department. He is a member of Vaux Lodge, No. 406, F. & A. M. In 1905 he married Sophia Zerr, of Geiger's Mills, Pa. They have one child, Helen Elizabeth.
Mary A. Hartman (V) was born March 25, 1862, in Bern township. In 1886 she married James G. Kauffman, a progressive young farmer of Centre township, Berks county. Their union has been blessed with nine children, seven sons and two daughters, viz.: Winfield (deceased), David, Laura (deceased), George, Mabel, James, John (deceased), Irvin and Harry.
Carrie J. Hartman (V) was born Nov. 11, 1873.
She graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1899, and
taught in the public schools of Ontelaunee township for four years.
In 1903 she married Mordecai S. Parvin, of East Berkley, Pa. They
have one child, Mordecai Hartman Parvin.
Daniel Hartman (IV) also died in childhood, at the age of about two years.
John Hartman (IV) was born in Bern township and died at home in the twenty-fifth year of his age.
Mary Hartman (IV), the second daughter of Daniel who was named Mary, died at her home in Bern in her eighteenth year.
Ellen Hartman (IV) was the only member of Daniel Hartman's family besides George C. who lived to rear a family of her own. She was born in Bern township in 1845. She became the wife of Jacob Reeser, of Centre township, and for a time they lived in Bern with her father. In about 1873 Mr. Reeser bought the farm of Daniel Hartman, located near Leize's bridge, in Bern township, and Mr. Hartman had his home with him until the time of his death, in April, 1876. Mrs. Reeser died in August, 1902, and was buried in Epler's Church cemetery. She was the mother of four children, one son and three daughters, viz.: James, Valeria, Mamie and Elizabeth.
*Acknowledgement is due to Mr. Winfield L. Hartman, of Perkiomen Seminary, who has spent much time and labor in securing the data for the compilation of the major portion of this sketch.
p. 941
Surnames: HARTMAN, WAMSHER, BLEILER, WELLS, SYLVIS, MAURER, SCHAEFFER, HIGH, WARTMAN, BECHTEL, KRICK
Frederick S. Hartman, of Ontelaunee township, is a member of one of the oldest and most numerous families of Berks county, members of which are to be found in all parts of this section. It is not definitely known, but it is supposed, that all of these Hartmans' descend from a common ancestor. A great many of the name are found throughout eastern Pennsylvania, and in Berks county one branch of the family lives to the east and south of Reading, while another is to be found in the valley to the north of that city; whether these two branches are closely related has not as yet been determined. This sketch pertains to that branch of the family originally living to the north of Reading, the descendants of which have been spread over Schuylkill, Columbia, Lycoming and other northern counties of Pennsylvania as well as into the Middle West.
The earliest pioneer of this family was John Hartman, the great-grandfather of Frederick S. who came to America in 1767 from the Rhine country in Germany, making the passage across the Atlantic in the ship "Crawford," and landing at the port of Philadelphia. A romance is connected with the story of his immigration to America. He was in love with a girl whose name is unknown, but who was not regarded with favor by Hartman's parents. In spite of opposition he decided to marry the girl of his choice, and in order to overcome parental prejudice and interference emigrated to America. They settled in Exeter township, Berks county, where he was employed as a miller in Bishop's Mill, a property now owned by George Wamsher. Unfortunately their happiness was short-lived, for in the first year of their wedded life the young wife died, without issue. Afterward Mr. Hartman married a widow named Bleiler, and to this union were born five children, as follows: John, Michael, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Harry Sylvis and Catherine. Mr. Hartman later settled on what is now the old homestead, recently owned by the late Henry Hartman, and still possessed by the Hartman Estate, near Temple, Muhlenberg (then Alsace) township, Berks county. He and his wife were buried in Reading, at the present site of Trinity Lutheran Church. As this church was built in 1799, both must have died prior to that date.
John Hartman, son of the emigrant, was born probably at Bishop's Mill, Exeter township, and was a farmer, spending practically all of his time on the old homestead at Temple. He married Sophia Maurer. Mr. Hartman was possessed of considerable real estate, owning besides the homestead several farms and an extensive tract of woodland, and later increased his possessions by the purchase of the Temple (now Graul's) hotel property, which was later sold by his heirs. He had also bought the farm adjoining the old homestead on the West. John Hartman and his wife had been buried in the burial ground of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, but were subsequently re-interred at the Alsace church graveyard by their sons about 1860. Mr. Hartman had died prior to 1830 at the age of fifty-four years, Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartman: John, Daniel, Frederick, Elizabeth and Mary.
John Hartman (3), father of Frederick S., was born on the old homestead at Temple, and lived there all of his life. After his father's death he became the owner of all of his real estate with the exception of the hotel property, which was sold. Mr. Hartman carried on farming, and also owned an iron ore mine in the woodland tract on South Mountain, east of Temple, was in good financial circumstances, and was widely known as a money lender. He married Mary Schaeffer, and they had six children: Amos, John, Frederick S., Daniel, Henry and Sophia Mary. Both parents are buried in Alsace Church cemetery.
Frederick S. Hartman was born March 17, 1830, on the old homestead near Temple, as were his brothers and sister, and after the death of his father he obtained possessions of the property adjoining the homestead on the west, which he still owns. He later bought a property along the Reading & Pottsville turnpike near Cross Keys, and there he resides. Mr. Hartman is well educated, having attended school at Trappe during his youth.
Mr. Hartman married Miss Amanda R. High, who died March 10, 1908. To this union were born the following children: John H., Daniel (deceased), James V. (deceased), Mary A. E., Sallie M., Bertha S. and Emma M.
John H. Hartman, son of Frederick S., born at Temple, PA., m. Augusta C. Wartman, of Allentown, Pa.; they have one son, John Raymond, and reside in Philadelphia.
Mary A. E. Hartman graduated from the Keystone State Normal School in 1883. She m. John A. Bechtel, of Pottsville, Schuylkill county, who is prominently identified with the 'Pottsville Miners' Journal', and they have had seven children, all girls: Esther (deceased), Ruth, Martha, Bertha, Laura, Marian and Florence.
Sallie M. Hartman m. Charles S. Krick, who holds an important position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and is located in New York City. They have had ten children: William (deceased), George, Catherine, Charles, John (deceased), Frederick, Helen, James, Daniel and Robert.
Bertha S. Hartman and Emma M. Hartman, who are both graduates of the Keystone State Normal School, reside with their father at Tuckerton. They are unmarried.
p. 994
Surnames: HARTMAN, HARTLINE, MECK, SWAVELY, MILLER, RICHARD, FISHER, KEHL, HAFER, REINERT, FOX
George H. Hartman, engaged in the produce business at Boyertown, is of the family founded in this section by German emigrants of the same name in the eighteenth century, they becoming loyal and industrious citizens of their adopted land.
(1) George Hartman, the emigrant ancestor, was a soldier in the Revolution. The date of his emigration is not known, but is was a short time only prior to the outbreak of the war for independence. In the Pennsylvania Archives, Series 2, Vol. 17, is a record of three Hartmans -- Jonathan, Adam, John and George -- who sailed from Rotterdam in the "Union," Andrew Bryson, master, and arrived in Philadelphia Sept. 27, 1773. There is also a record of John George Hartman, who sailed in the "Crawford." Charles Smith, master, from Rotterdam, arriving at Philadelphia, Oct. 25, 1774. There is no record of a George Hartman sailing from Germany prior to that date except in 1764, at which time Frantz Thomas Hartman and George Henry Hartman sailed from Rotterdam on the "Sarah," Francis Stanfell, master, and arrived in Philadelphia, Sept. 20, 1764. George Hartman, the ancestor, was born in Rotenburg, Germany, and when he landed in America, owed for his passage, and was accordingly hired to a man in Oley until this money should have been paid. While there a recruiting officer for the Continental army met him in the field and asked him to enlist. He said he would only that he had to serve his time. The officer told him the farmer could be satisfied, and this would be done if he would get ready, to go immediately. Satisfactory arrangements were made, and the young German enlisted, serving, according to tradition, seven years. After the war he settled near Woodchoppertown, and some time later married a Hartline. They had five sons and three daughters: Adam, who settled in Earl township, Berks county, and had eight children; Conrad, who located in Oley, and had eight children; George, of Mohnsville, who was the father of three; Jacob, of Colebrookdale township, who had three children; Daniel, of Earl township, who also had three children; and the daughters, who married respectively, George Meck, Peter Swavely, and Peter Miller, all of Rockland. George Hartman died in 1831, and was buried at Oley Church, as was also his wife, who died in 1847.
(II) Conrad Hartman, son of George, was born in Earl township, Dec. 12, 1801. He owned a farm in Colebrookdale township (at Morysville), and he made farming his lifelong occupation. In 1823 he married Elizabeth Richard, who was born June 30, 1801, and who died Oct. 30, 1878. He died Aug. 28, 1878, and both are buried at Boyertown. They had eight children: Daniel R., born March 18, 1824, lived at Boyertown, and died Dec. 15, 1895; Anna, born Oct. 28, 1828, married Silas Fisher, of Reading, and died July 27, 1895; William, born Nov. 27, 1827, died at Phoenixville, April 2, 1907; George, born Jan. 2, 1831, lives in Reading; David born Feb. 15, 1832, lives at Reading; Amos, born June 13, 1835, died on the old homestead June 15, 1907; Deborah, born July 15, 1839, married W. D. Kehl, and died March 31, 1901; and Jacob, born April 30, 1842, lives at No. 2243 North Sixth street, Philadelphia.
(III) Daniel R. Hartman, son of Conrad, was a native of Oley township, born March 18, 1824, and he died at his home in Boyertown Dec. 15, 1895, and is buried at Fairview cemetery. For six years he farmed in Douglass township, but the greater part of his active life was spent at his trade of shoemaker. In his religious views he was a Lutheran, and he held a number of church offices. While in Exeter he belonged to Schwartzwald Church. He married Phoebe Hafer, born July 31, 1827, daughter of George Hafer, and she died Jan. 10, 1891. They had eight children; Deborah (1852-1872) died unmarried; Frank H. lived at Boyertown; George H.; Ellen married Henry H. Reinert, of Boyertown; Misses Lizzie and Amanda live together at Boyertown; and Daniel H. and William H. also live at Boyertown.
(IV) George H. Hartman, son of Daniel R., is one of the successful business men of Boyertown. He was born in Exeter township June 25, 1855, and his education was acquired in the township schools. Ass a young man he learned the painter's trade, and this he followed three years. In 1876, Centennial year, he engaged in the produce business, buying butter, eggs, poultry and vegetables from the farmers in Colebrookdale and Earl townships, and shipping them by rail to Philadelphia once a week. The success that attended him in the beginning induced him to continue in this line, and he had trade for all his goods in Germantown, Pa. He is thoroughly familiar with every part of this work, and attends personally to the major details. For four years he was in business with his uncle, William Kehl. He has shipped as many as 1,500 dozen eggs per week, and as high as 2,000 pounds of butter. Mr. Hartman has a comfortable home on Philadelphia avenue. He and his family belong to St. John's Lutheran Church.
In 1879 Mr. Hartman was married to Mary Fox, daughter of Samuel Fox, of New Berlinville, and their three children are: Charles C., Mabel F., and Florence F. In politics Mr. Hartman is a Democrat. For years he was a member of the council, and he served one term as chief burgess. He is active and progressive, keenly alive to the best interests of the town, and is very highly respected.
p. 1641
Surnames: HARTMAN, LAUCK, DECKERT, PINYARD, ENSINGER, BEHNEY
Grant Hartman, a prosperous farmer of Bern township, Berks county, was born in Millcreek township, Lebanon county, Pa., Dec. 24, 1872, a son of Joseph and Leah (Lauck) Hartman, and comes of an old Berks county family.
Joseph Hartman was born along the Northkill in the vicinity above Bernville, in 1833, and when quite young his parents moved to Millbach, Lebanon county. There he was married to Leah Lauck who was born in 1839, and is still living, as is Mr. Hartman. He became a farmer in Millcreek, where he resided until he was about thirty-eight and then moved to Stouchsburg, Berks county, and worked on David Deckerts farm two years. In about 1873, he bought a farm at Reinholds Station, where he resided three years, then purchased a farm of eighty-three acres at State Hill, Berks county, and resided there eighteen years. Selling his farm he moved to Klopps Store, North Heidelberg, where he lives retired. He and his family are members of the Reformed Church.
The children born to Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Hartman are: Kate; Ellen; Lucy (widow of George Pinyard, and lives at Philadelphia); Lizzie, married John Ensinger, of Walters Park; Leah, married Davies Behney of Robesonia; Harrison, a farmer of Bern township, Centerville; George, of Millersburg; Grant and Joseph L. Joseph L. was born Oct. 3, 1870, at Stouchsburg, was educated in the public schools, and graduated from the Keystone State Norman School, class of 1902. He taught school in Berks county ten terms. On Dec. 27 and 28, 1907, he took a civil service examination and was appointed school teacher in the Philippine Islands, Aug. 4, 1908, where he is now located.
p. 1364
Surnames: HARTMAN, BOWER, KULP, BAKER, SHAFFER, FRITZ, SCHWENK, DANIG, MENGEL, SIMMONS, LODER, IMPINK, WEAVER, OSWALD, BECKER, DAILEY, GRUBE
James Y. Hartman, a well-known resident of the Twelfth ward, Reading, who is now living retired, was for many years engaged in butchering and contracting, and was also prominently connected with public affairs of the city. Mr. Hartman was born in Reading, Oct. 21, 1838, son of John and Elizabeth (Bower) Hartman.
John Hartman was born in Alsace township, Berks county, where as a young man he learned the stone mason's trade, and this occupation he followed successfully for many years in Reading, employing from six to eight men, and becoming one of the best known men in his line in the city. He died at the age of eighty-four years and was buried at the Catholic cemetery. Mr. Hartman was married to Elizabeth Bower, who attained the remarkable age of ninety-four years and was buried at the Alsace cemetery, and to this union there were born the following children: Elizabeth, who married (first) Jacob Kulp and (second) Joseph Baker; John; Angeline, who married Peter Shaffer; Sophia, who married Emanuel Fritz; Mary, who married Adam Schwenk, a resident of Reading; Christiana, who married Jacob Danig; Henry; Amos, who died young; and James Y.
James Y. Hartman attended the public schools of Reading, and when a boy was employed with his father. At the age of seventeen years he went to learn the butchering trade with William Mengel and John Simmons, with who he served an apprenticeship of three years, and then engaged in business for himself for twenty-seven years, serving many families and being located most of this time at Tenth and Marion streets. In 1887 he gave up butchering to engage in the contracting business, and in addition to furnishing many of the cobble stones that were used in paving streets and gutters, the last being the stones used on Fidelity street, east from Twelfth, between Elm and Buttonwood streets, he has dug many cellars and built the foundation walls for many houses. Among Mr. Hartman's many contracts may be mentioned the cellars and foundation walls for four houses on Douglass street above Birch, built by Joseph Loder and Irvin Impink, and the foundation walls for Loder & Impink's thirteen new houses on Locust and Elm streets. Mr. Hartman for a number of years lived at no. 839 Hampden street, but after his retirement in October, 1907, he started the erection of a fine three-story residence at No. 1239 Douglass street.
On June 24, 1874, Mr. Hartman was married to Catherine Weaver, daughter of Daniel and Hettie (Oswald) Weaver, and to this union there have been born children as follows: Charles N., born April 6, 1875, who married Gertrude Becker, July 14, 1909; Henrietta, born Jan. 28, 1878, who married William Dailey of Reading; Franklin F., born July 6, 1880, who lives at home; Maggie M., born Jan. 14, 1883, who married Harry Grube, of Reading; and Matilda, born Oct. 10, 1885, Emma E., born Nov. 16, 1887. Cecelia, born Feb. 17, 1890, and Josephine E., born July 29, 1893, who all live at home.
In political matters Mr. Hartman is a stanch Democrat, and served his ward, then the Eleventh, in the city council in 1874-5 and again in 1882-84. He is a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, while Mrs. Hartman belongs to the Lutheran faith.
p. 764
Surnames: HARTMAN, FELIX, WRIGHTMEYER, RITTER, GECHTER, SNYDER, FEISS, FISHER, SEIDEL, FORNEY, BARTO, WARNER, SCHWENCK, STEIN, YOUNG, SHADLER, MOYER, REIGEL, HOLLENBACH, HAINES
John S. Hartman, a leading business man of Reading, Pa., well and favorably known in the building and contracting line, was born May 11, 1861, in Muhlenberg township, Berks Co., Pa., son of Absalom and Caroline(Felix) Hartman, grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth(Wrightmeyer) Hartman, and great-grandson of Valentine Hartman.
Valentine Hartman was born in Alsace township, near Spies's Church, and he subsequently owned a farm in that vicinity, where both he and his wife died. They were worthy members of the Reformed Church. In political views he was first a Whig but afterward was inclined to the Republican party. The children of Valentine Hartman and his wife were: Samuel, William, Abraham, and Kate(m. Valentine Ritter).
Samuel Hartman learned the wheelwright's and millwright's trades, and followed same for many years. He also operated a small farm. His death took place at the age of eighty-two years, and that of his wife, Elizabeth Wrightmeyer, when she was aged eighty-one years. They had ten children, all of whom grew to maturity and married, their names appearing as follows: Lewis, Gideon, Absalom, (born April 28, 1827), Augustus, Samuel, Israel, Christy (of Reading), Elizabeth(M. John Gechter), Emma(M. Jacob Snyder), and Valentine. In politics he was first a Whig, but later became identified with the Republican party.
Absalom Hartman attended school in Alsace township and then learned the wheelwright's trade with John Feiss, which he followed for several years, and then engaged for several more years in a hotel business at Reading. Prior to his retirement from business cares he conducted a store at the corner of Centre avenue and Exeter streets. During the Civil War he was employed by the U.S. Government as a wheelwright, and was first stationed at Martinsburg and later at Harper's Ferry, Va. In 1887 Mr. Hartman entered the Philadelphia & Reading railroad shops where he continued until 1899. He died May 3, 1907.
In 1855, Mr. Hartman was married to Caroline Felix, daughter of Solomon and Catherine(Fisher) Felix, and they have had children as follows: Emma E., born July 13, 1856, died aged five years; Catherine R., born Oct. 22, 1857, is deceased; Amelia, born July 4, 1859, m. F. F. Seidel; John S.; Lillie E., deceased, born Jan. 26, 1864, m. John Forney; Howard L., born in 1866, died in infancy; Annie, born March 21, 1867, m. John Barto; Caroline E., born in 1870, died three months; Caroline(2), born Sept. 9, 1871, m. Dr. Abraham Warner; William A., born July 3, 1875, a steel worker, m. Sallie Schwenck; Solomon F., born July 26, 1878, m. Carrie Stein; Edwin M., a cigar manufacturer, born May 30, 1881, m. Gertrude M. Young.
The father of Mrs. Hartman, Solomon Felix, served in the Mexican war. He was born at Reading and was engaged in various lines of business in this city at different times. He was a stone mason, a quarryman, a shoemaker and a butcher. He acquired a good estate and was a well-known citizen. His children were the following: Lucetta m. Adam Shadler; Catherine m. William Moyer; Emma m. Lewis Reigel; and Caroline m. Mr. Hartman. Mr. Hartman is a Republican in politics. Both he and his wife belong to the Reformed Church. Formerly he was connected with the F.& A. M. and the I. O. O. F.
John Hartman attended school both in his native township and in the Reading schools. He then learned the molding trade with the Reading Hardware Company, and he worked as a molder for some years and then learned the wheelwright's trade under his father, which he followed for two years. He was next employed by the Philadelphia & Reading company, as a carpenter, and remained with this organization for five years, working in different departments. Mr. Hartman then engaged in carpenter work and bridge building, following the same for three years, after which he engaged with the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, as a carpenter, in a very short time being appointed foreman of his division. After a faithful service with this company which extended over fourteen and one-half years, Mr. Hartman remained one year with the Reading Stove Works. In 1900 he engaged in a general contracting and building business and has met with well deserved success, his experience being long and thorough.
Mr. Hartman was married to Nellie Hollenbach, daughter of William and Susan(Haines) Hollenbach, and they have two children, Harrison J. and L. Elizabeth. The former was a graduate in 1906 in the Reading high school and is now taking a collegiate course. The latter, born Sept. 10, 1891, is a high school pupil. The family home of Mr. Hartman is situated at No. 204 Douglass street. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to Camp No. 61, P. O. S. of A.
p. 1154
Surnames: HARTMAN, MAURER, WRIGHTMOYER, DOTTERER, HERBST, CLEAVER, BRIDEGRAM
Samuel M. Hartman, who is engaged in the harness business in the city of Reading, was born in Oley township, Berks county, in 1850, son of Gideon and Sarah D. (Maurer) Hartman. His grandfather, Samuel Hartman, was a native of Alsace township this county, where he conducted a small farm and followed the trade of millwright. He married Elizabeth Wrightmoyer, and they had ten children, Lewis, Gideon, Absalom, Valentine, Augustus, Israel, Samuel, Jessie, Eliza and Emma. In religion this family was connected with the Reformed Church.
Gideon Hartman was born in Alsace township, near Spiess Church, and received his education in the local schools. He learned the trade of miller, but followed it only a short time, when he turned his attention to huckstering, raising and selling farm produce for twenty years. He retired in the spring of 1876, after which he removed to Lyons, along the East Penn railroad, where he lived for nineteen years. In 1898 he located at Reading, and died there in January 1903, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a temperate man in all things and never used tobacco or spirituous liquors himself. He was a Democrat in political belief, and in religion was allied with the United Evangelical Church. In August 1845, he married Sarah D. Maurer, a daughter of Henry H. and Sarah (Dotterer) Maurer, and to them were born sixteen children, eleven sons and five daughters, namely: Mary, Gideon (deceased), Nathaniel, Samuel M., Henry (deceased), Albert (deceased), James (deceased), Ammon (deceased), Sarah, Edward (deceased), Susan, Elizabeth, Violetta, John, Harvey and Warren. Mrs.Hartman, who is now in her eighty-third year, still resided in Reading.
Samuel M. Hartman spent all his school days in Oley township, but his advantages were rather limited, for he began work in a brich-yard when only twelve years old. He worked thus for one year, at the end of which time he was hired out to Dr. Herbst, who at that time was county treasurer. This was in Pike township, and there he remained over one year in the Doctors employ. He then went to learn the trade of harness maker in his native township, with J. Cleaver. At this time he was fourteen years old. After two years Mr. Hartman came to Reading, where he remained about six months, and then went to Birdsboro, where the next three years of his life were spent. He again returned to Reading, but was engaged at carpenter work for one year, working the next three years at Pottstown, and six months at Philadelphia. After returning to Reading, Mr. Hartman in 1875 engaged in his present business, first locating where the Penn National Bank now stands on Penn street. There he remained five years, and in 1880 located at his present place, No. 806 Penn street, where he has remained ever since. He has an extensive trade, all over Berks county and his stock is of the highest standard. Hr. Hartman employs two skilled workmen.
In 1876 Mr. Hartman married Clara Bridegam, daughter of William Bridegam, a tinsmith of Reading, and one child has been born to this union, Helen, who is attending school. In politics Mr. Hartman is a Democrat. He served as councilman of the Third ward for two terms, and was a delegate to the county convention several times. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Fraternally his is connected with the Royal Arcanum; the Freemasons, Royal Arch Chapter, Commandery and Shrine. Mr. Hartman is a public-spirited citizen and good business man, greatly esteemed by all who know him. He and his family reside at No. 15 South Eleventh street.
Henry H. Maurer, grandfather of Samuel M. Hartman, on his mothers side, was born in Coldebrookdale township, near Boyertown, Pa. In boyhood he learned the trade of tailoring. He was a self-made man, very studious, and taught school in the eastern section of the county. He was a very successful business man and also served as justice of the peace, and came to be known in the neighborhood as the country lawyer. He held the office of recorder of deeds of the county from 1842 to 1845. He was a noted auctioneer, and also conducted a hotel near Friedensburg, in Oley township, for many years. In politics he was a Democrat. He died May 15, 1834, at the age of seventy-nine years. A grandson, Dr. E. M. Herbst, is at present serving his third term in the Senate of Pennsylvania as the Senator from Berks county.
Surnames: HARTMANN, BRUDER, HOUCK, EMMICH, BOLLANDER, MOSSER, ROHRBACH, HILLER, GOOD, PINYARD
Henry Joseph Hartmann, a rising young business man of the Tenth ward, Reading, Pa., who is engaged in cement contracting for builders, is a native of this city, born Jan. 29, 1874, son of Godfrey and Modesta (Bruder) Hartmann.
Staffron Hartmann, the great-grandfather of Henry J., was a laborer in the Fatherland, and lived in Grossherzogthum Hessen. He had a family of children, among them Nicholas Hartmann, who was born in the Grand Duchy in 1818, and died in 1874. He married Theresa Houck, and to them were born eight children: Charlotte, of Reading; Magdalena, of Reading; Barbara, who was blind and died at the age of nine years; Jacob and Godfrey, twins; Heinrich, who died at the age of two years; Margaretta and Anna.
Godfrey Hartmann was also a native of Grossherzogthum, Hessen, Germany, born Jan. 22, 1840. He was educated in the German schools, which he attended until fourteen years of age, and then learned the milling trade, which he followed for one year. Mr. Hartmann then learned the millwright trade, in which he was engaged until coming to America in 1863, and after landing at Castle Garden, New York, proceeded immediately to Reading, where he worked at carpentering for many years in the car shops. Later he engaged in the contracting business, and erected a large number of houses in Reading including the double brick residence at Nos. 412-414 South Eleventh street, which now belongs to his son, Henry J., and here lived until his death. He and his family were members of St. Paul's Catholic Church. Mr. Hartmann married Modesta Bruder, and to them were born four children, namely: Godfrey, who died single, aged twenty-one years; Mary, who died at the age of seventeen years; Henry J.; and one that died in infancy.
Jacob Hartmann, the twin brother of Godfrey, and uncle of Henry J., of Reading, lived for some years in Rei Breidenbach, Kreiss Ehrbach, in Odenwald, and on Oct. 29, 1881, embarked on the ship "Rheinland," at Antwerp, and came to Castle Garden, where he landed Nov. 12, 1881. He at once came to Reading, and worked for seven years in the employ of the Reading Iron Company, but in 1888 went back to Germany, returning to America the year following and settling in Reading, where he has since resided. He and his family are members of St. Paul's Catholic Church. In 1871 Jacob Hartmann was married to Anna Maria Emmich, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Bollander) Emmich, and to them have been born these children: Frantz, who died in infancy; Adam, who married Ella Mosser, lives in Reading; Annie, who resides at home and is single; and Magdalena, who died in 1900, at the age of twenty-one years.
Henry J. Hartmann was educated in St. Paul's Catholic Parochial school, after leaving which he worked in a box factory, and for the Reading Hardware Co. When seventeen years of age he learned the machinist's trade with Orr & Sembower, of Reading, after leaving whose employ he engaged with his father, assisting him in contracting until 1900, since which time he has been carrying on business on his own account, doing contracting jobs for builders. Mr. Hartmann is a man of more than ordinary business ability and has gained a reputation for living up to the word of his contracts. In political matters he is a Democrat, giving his support to the candidate he thinks best fitted for the office. Socially he is connected with the Knights of St. John, No. 271, of Reading. Mr. Hartmann and his family are members of St. Paul's Catholic Church, and his children attend the parochial school.
On Nov. 27, 1897, Mr. Hartmann was married to M. Elizabeth Rohrbach, born Dec. 11, 1874, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Hiller) Rohrbach. Mr. Rohrbach, who was a native of Hereford township. Berks county, was a blacksmith by trade, and he and his wife had four children: Henry, who is single and lives in Reading; Charles, who married Mary Good, of Reading; Samuel, who married Minnie Pinyard; and M. Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Hartmann have two children: Clarence J., born July 20, 1898, and Catherine, born May 16, 1904.